Ymca Cites Tight Economy In Pulling Funding Request

ISLE OF WIGHT — The Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA has withdrawn its request to the county for a 10-year, $750,000 contribution to help fund a proposed $2.6 million expansion to the Luter Family YMCA.

The organization - which had asked the Board of Supervisors to commit $75,000 annually for a decade, beginning in 2011 - indicated its action was fueled by the looming economic constraints the county is facing with the closure of International Paper Corp., said Supervisor Tom Wright, a member of the county's budget and finance committee. The plant's shutdown next spring is expected to cost the county $5.2 million in lost tax revenue by 2012.

It's tough to say whether the YMCA's request would have been funded, said Wright.

But county leaders have already said it was going to be a tight budget and that all funding requests would come under closer scrutiny than in years past.

YMCA officials could not be reached for comment.

The proposed expansion would add 5,000 square feet to the Luter YMCA's existing cramped facility on James Street in Smithfield. Plans call for adding 3,000 square feet to the Wellness Center, a 500-square-foot addition to the child care center, a new 1,600-square-foot group exercise studio and new men's and women's locker rooms.

The proposal also calls for a local hospital - which hasn't been identified - to invest $680,000 in an on-site rehabilitation center and to add 40 additional parking spaces.

Earlier this year, the town of Smithfield voted to contribute $500,000 toward the project, payable in $50,000 annual allotments over a 10-year period.

ABOUT THE PROPOSAL

* Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA asked Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors to contribute $75,000 annually for 10 years to a $2.6 million expansion of the Luter Family YMCA.

* Earlier this year, Smithfield voted to contribute $50,000 annually over a 10-year period, for a total contribution of $500,000.

* The proposed expansion included an addition of 5,000 square feet to the Luter YMCA in Smithfield.